Beef Cattle Nutrition & Feeding

Cattle Bunk Feeding

It is estimated that 75% or more of the annual cost of maintaining beef cattle is
taking care of their nutritional needs. These costs are incurred through pasture
establishment and fertility maintenance, harvest cost and purchase of supplemental
feeds. Nutritional management includes understanding the nutrient composition of
feedstuffs and the levels required by cattle for optimal performance. Visual observations
of body condition score and weight change are valuable for assessing cattle response
to their diet. Evaluating and planning to overcome deficiencies or targeting growth
includes testing feeds for their nutrient composition and utilizing ration balancing
aides to formulate. Listed below are guides and tools available to help in beef cattle
nutritional management.

Cowculator - Cowculator is an Excel spreadsheet program for balancing rations for mature, gestating
and lactating beef cows. The spreadsheet is available through Oklahoma State University.
Click on the Cowculator link to access and download this program and user's guide.

Medicated Feed Additive Calculator - This web-based tool calculates the amount of medicated feed required for mixing
with supplements or total mixed rations based on a target medication rate indicated
for either a per animal or per pound of body weight dose. The calculator also allows
up to 3 serial dilutions for diluting concentrated forms of medicated feeds to less
concentrated premixes for improved mixing and feeding management. A user's guide (PDF) is available for detailed instructions.

Mineral Profile Evaluator - This Excel spreadsheet compares the mineral composition of a mineral supplement
to the requirements of lactating beef cows and growing calves.